F 35-70mm or DA 18-55 for K-01 - optical quality

yellowbrick · 08-27-2013, 10:18 AM

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.

I am enjoying my K-01 with the DA limited lenses 15, 21, 40, and 70mm. But sometimes I want to have the convenience of a short zoom for times when I don't want or can't change lenses easily. Because I'm using the K-01, I want a very light and compact zoom lens, so I'm ruling out the 17-70s, 17-50s, 18-250s, and even (for the moment) the 18-135. Which leaves me with the cheap (always welcome) and light kit lens 18-55 (either DA-L or WR versions) or maybe the F 35-70 of which I've read excellent reviews and see for sale at very good prices. Actually, both these options are about the same price used. I know the DA kit lens is more of a walkaround lens with the wider field of view but I really like to shoot in the 40-70mm range, so maxing out at 55mm may not be ideal, plus I've read that the 18-55 is weakest at the long end. If I went for the F 35-70, I could easily carry around the 21mm for the occasional need to go wide on a walkabout with my camera.

So if anyone has experience using both the 18-55 kit lens (DA-L, ver II, or WR models), and the smc-F 35-70mm, particularly on the K-01, could you chime in on which one is a better performer: (1) optically (sharpness, colors, flare resistance), and (2) mechanically (autofocus speed, build quality). I'm probably leaning towards the 35-70 based on user reviews that rave about it, but I think the 18-55 could also be good, especially since it's a newer design, optimized for digital, and has modern lens coating.

Thanks for any comments and suggestions!

JinDesu · 08-27-2013, 10:21 AM

The 35-70 has better image quality and autofocus speed than the DAL 18-55. It's smaller and more solid built. You'll need a hood, it doesn't come with one.

Downsides are: 18-35mm is a very useful range to have. 35mm can be quite tight when shooting indoors and also trying to take picture of buildings.

jwc77 · 08-27-2013, 11:02 AM

Another vote for the 35-70. I like mine enough I got rid of the 18-55. Besides image quality being better in my opinion...I really like the 'macro' (close focus) of the 35-70.

**paulh** · 08-27-2013, 11:06 AM

The 35-70 will have better IQ, but 35mm is not very wide as a walkaround FL.

seventysixersfan · 08-27-2013, 11:56 AM

The 35-70 has excellent image quality for the price it normally sells for used. Build quality, though, might be worse than the DA 18-55 WR, but better than the DA-L 18-55. So it may depend on what 18-55 you're considering. Also, if you get the 18-55 WR or 18-55 II, you get quickshift capability which obviously the old 35-70 lacks.

So, besides optical quality, what will you find more useful? the 18-35mm range? or 55-70mm? Also, the 35-70's "macro" capability can be handy in a pinch, but then again the 18-55 can also focus pretty closely as well.

seventysixersfan · 08-27-2013, 11:57 AM

Originally posted by JinDesu

You'll need a hood, it doesn't come with one.

Agreed with this advice. The 35-70 needs a hood because it is a bit flare-prone. DA 18-55 WR or DA 18-55 II comes with a hood, but DA-L 18-55 does not.

Doundounba · 08-27-2013, 11:58 AM

How about FA 28-105mm F/3.2-4.5? A very light, surprisingly small, reasonably fast lens with great colors, decent reach, and to me, a usable wide-end (28mm). I have an Adaptall 35-70mm and the Pentax-A 35-105mm and when I leave with those lenses on the camera, they never stay on very long because 35mm is just not wide-enough. But give me 28mm, and I can shoot with that, and zoom with my feet *most* of the time. (I'd really like to have the FA 24-90mm F/3.5-4.5, but it always seems to go for way too much money.) BTW, there's a 28-105 available right now on Ebay for a very reasonable price. (I have no link with the seller whatsoever, and no clue as to his trustworthiness.)

JinDesu · 08-27-2013, 12:06 PM

Originally posted by seventysixersfan

Agreed with this advice. The 35-70 needs a hood because it is a bit flare-prone. DA 18-55 WR or DA 18-55 II comes with a hood, but DA-L 18-55 does not.

Not entirely sure what the case may be, but when I bought my k-x with the DAL, it came with a hood. I remember it distinctly because it had the removable filter slot thing.

yellowbrick · 08-27-2013, 12:11 PM

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions and feedback. I might look into the F-35-70mm or FA 28-105. I haven't considered the 28-105 before because it's pretty rare on the used market, whereas 35-70's and 18-55's are plentiful. But I agree 28mm is very handy to have, and zooming up to 105 at f/4.5 is impressive, for a lens that is very compact and lightweight--which meets one of my criteria for pairing with my K-01. Still, the 28-105 doesn't get very strong reviews from forum members...

manacho2005 · 08-27-2013, 12:13 PM

If it's convenience you're looking for, and you're used to using mirrorless; have you considered getting a Q with the standard zoom?

yellowbrick · 08-27-2013, 12:18 PM

Originally posted by manacho2005

If it's convenience you're looking for, and you're used to using mirrorless; have you considered getting a Q with the standard zoom?

Hmm, interesting. No, not at all. I was actually looking at going the other way someday, up to a real DSLR, because sometimes my K-01's autofocus isn't fast enough to keep up when my dog is running around like crazy. It's fine when he's just sitting there or sleeping, though. So assuming I move up to a K-30/50, etc., I'd like to keep building my K-mount lens collection...

But the Q7 has kind of caught my eye with its larger sensor...

carrrlangas · 08-27-2013, 12:23 PM

mmmmm I own both lenses and think the DA18-55WR is better than the F35-70. The latter does have a faster autofocus, smaller, slightly faster aperture. But the 18-55 has an edge on IQ, better range for a DSLR, is weather sealed and has a better macro / close focusing capability.

I changed the 18-55 for the 16-50 and use the F35-70 for a cheaper, stealthier combo

yellowbrick · 08-27-2013, 12:26 PM

Originally posted by carrrlangas

mmmmm I own both lenses and think the DA18-55WR is better than the F35-70.

Hmm, based on the very small sample size in this thread so far, you are in the minority on this view. But I guess sample variation can come into play as well. Because both lenses are so cheap to acquire, maybe I should get both of them and see which one is better for my purposes, and then sell the other one?!

seventysixersfan · 08-27-2013, 12:36 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by yellowbrick

Because both lenses are so cheap to acquire, maybe I should get both of them and see which one is better for my purposes, and then sell the other one?!

Not a bad strategy considering how cheap both lenses cost, but the harsh mistress that is LBA may well force you to keep both ...

seventysixersfan · 08-27-2013, 12:37 PM

Originally posted by JinDesu

when I bought my k-x with the DAL, it came with a hood.

hmm, you must have just been lucky then. My K-x came with a DA-L but no hood. And I'm pretty sure that's one of the drawbacks of the DA-L line compared with the DA versions-- no quickshift, plastic mount, and no hood included.

08-27-2013, 10:18 AM	#1
yellowbrick Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 110	F 35-70mm or DA 18-55 for K-01 - optical quality Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. I am enjoying my K-01 with the DA limited lenses 15, 21, 40, and 70mm. But sometimes I want to have the convenience of a short zoom for times when I don't want or can't change lenses easily. Because I'm using the K-01, I want a very light and compact zoom lens, so I'm ruling out the 17-70s, 17-50s, 18-250s, and even (for the moment) the 18-135. Which leaves me with the cheap (always welcome) and light kit lens 18-55 (either DA-L or WR versions) or maybe the F 35-70 of which I've read excellent reviews and see for sale at very good prices. Actually, both these options are about the same price used. I know the DA kit lens is more of a walkaround lens with the wider field of view but I really like to shoot in the 40-70mm range, so maxing out at 55mm may not be ideal, plus I've read that the 18-55 is weakest at the long end. If I went for the F 35-70, I could easily carry around the 21mm for the occasional need to go wide on a walkabout with my camera. So if anyone has experience using both the 18-55 kit lens (DA-L, ver II, or WR models), and the smc-F 35-70mm, particularly on the K-01, could you chime in on which one is a better performer: (1) optically (sharpness, colors, flare resistance), and (2) mechanically (autofocus speed, build quality). I'm probably leaning towards the 35-70 based on user reviews that rave about it, but I think the 18-55 could also be good, especially since it's a newer design, optimized for digital, and has modern lens coating. Thanks for any comments and suggestions!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: Pentax K-5 + YN560 Flash (DA 18-55 WR for only $50 more)	northofpolaris	Sold Items	12	08-28-2013 08:42 AM
For Sale - Sold: K-5 + 18-135, 40 f/2.8 , 70mm f/2.4, 35 f/2.4, F50 f/1.7, 55-300 ED, Tamron 17-50.	rrwilliams64	Sold Items	19	03-08-2013 07:09 PM
For Sale - Sold: Optical Viewfinder for Q or K-01 Tele-Wide	crewl1	Sold Items	3	09-26-2012 08:40 PM
For Sale - Sold: DA 35mm f/2.4, DA 18-55 WR, A 50mm f/1.7, F 35-70mm f3.5-4.5	Tycn	Sold Items	4	03-29-2012 12:28 AM
For Sale - Sold: Mint K10D (only 2200 clicks), DA 18-55, DA 18-55 II for sale	sbbtim	Sold Items	9	10-19-2009 09:52 AM

08-27-2013, 10:21 AM	#2
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	The 35-70 has better image quality and autofocus speed than the DAL 18-55. It's smaller and more solid built. You'll need a hood, it doesn't come with one. Downsides are: 18-35mm is a very useful range to have. 35mm can be quite tight when shooting indoors and also trying to take picture of buildings.

08-27-2013, 11:02 AM	#3
jwc77 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Rolla, MO Posts: 269	Another vote for the 35-70. I like mine enough I got rid of the 18-55. Besides image quality being better in my opinion...I really like the 'macro' (close focus) of the 35-70.

08-27-2013, 11:06 AM	#4
paulh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Texas/Ventura County, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,306	The 35-70 will have better IQ, but 35mm is not very wide as a walkaround FL.

08-27-2013, 11:56 AM	#5
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	The 35-70 has excellent image quality for the price it normally sells for used. Build quality, though, might be worse than the DA 18-55 WR, but better than the DA-L 18-55. So it may depend on what 18-55 you're considering. Also, if you get the 18-55 WR or 18-55 II, you get quickshift capability which obviously the old 35-70 lacks. So, besides optical quality, what will you find more useful? the 18-35mm range? or 55-70mm? Also, the 35-70's "macro" capability can be handy in a pinch, but then again the 18-55 can also focus pretty closely as well.

08-27-2013, 11:57 AM	#6
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	Originally posted by JinDesu You'll need a hood, it doesn't come with one. Agreed with this advice. The 35-70 needs a hood because it is a bit flare-prone. DA 18-55 WR or DA 18-55 II comes with a hood, but DA-L 18-55 does not.

08-27-2013, 11:58 AM	#7
Doundounba Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Montréal QC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,351	How about FA 28-105mm F/3.2-4.5? A very light, surprisingly small, reasonably fast lens with great colors, decent reach, and to me, a usable wide-end (28mm). I have an Adaptall 35-70mm and the Pentax-A 35-105mm and when I leave with those lenses on the camera, they never stay on very long because 35mm is just not wide-enough. But give me 28mm, and I can shoot with that, and zoom with my feet most of the time. (I'd really like to have the FA 24-90mm F/3.5-4.5, but it always seems to go for way too much money.) BTW, there's a 28-105 available right now on Ebay for a very reasonable price. (I have no link with the seller whatsoever, and no clue as to his trustworthiness.)

08-27-2013, 12:06 PM	#8
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by seventysixersfan Agreed with this advice. The 35-70 needs a hood because it is a bit flare-prone. DA 18-55 WR or DA 18-55 II comes with a hood, but DA-L 18-55 does not. Not entirely sure what the case may be, but when I bought my k-x with the DAL, it came with a hood. I remember it distinctly because it had the removable filter slot thing.

08-27-2013, 12:11 PM	#9
yellowbrick Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 110 Original Poster	Thanks for all the helpful suggestions and feedback. I might look into the F-35-70mm or FA 28-105. I haven't considered the 28-105 before because it's pretty rare on the used market, whereas 35-70's and 18-55's are plentiful. But I agree 28mm is very handy to have, and zooming up to 105 at f/4.5 is impressive, for a lens that is very compact and lightweight--which meets one of my criteria for pairing with my K-01. Still, the 28-105 doesn't get very strong reviews from forum members...

08-27-2013, 12:13 PM	#10
manacho2005 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Red Oak, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 462	If it's convenience you're looking for, and you're used to using mirrorless; have you considered getting a Q with the standard zoom?

08-27-2013, 12:18 PM	#11
yellowbrick Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 110 Original Poster	Originally posted by manacho2005 If it's convenience you're looking for, and you're used to using mirrorless; have you considered getting a Q with the standard zoom? Hmm, interesting. No, not at all. I was actually looking at going the other way someday, up to a real DSLR, because sometimes my K-01's autofocus isn't fast enough to keep up when my dog is running around like crazy. It's fine when he's just sitting there or sleeping, though. So assuming I move up to a K-30/50, etc., I'd like to keep building my K-mount lens collection... But the Q7 has kind of caught my eye with its larger sensor...

08-27-2013, 12:23 PM	#12
carrrlangas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Joensuu (Finland) Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,761	mmmmm I own both lenses and think the DA18-55WR is better than the F35-70. The latter does have a faster autofocus, smaller, slightly faster aperture. But the 18-55 has an edge on IQ, better range for a DSLR, is weather sealed and has a better macro / close focusing capability. I changed the 18-55 for the 16-50 and use the F35-70 for a cheaper, stealthier combo

08-27-2013, 12:26 PM	#13
yellowbrick Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 110 Original Poster	Originally posted by carrrlangas mmmmm I own both lenses and think the DA18-55WR is better than the F35-70. Hmm, based on the very small sample size in this thread so far, you are in the minority on this view. But I guess sample variation can come into play as well. Because both lenses are so cheap to acquire, maybe I should get both of them and see which one is better for my purposes, and then sell the other one?!

08-27-2013, 12:36 PM - 1 Like	#14
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	Originally posted by yellowbrick Because both lenses are so cheap to acquire, maybe I should get both of them and see which one is better for my purposes, and then sell the other one?! Not a bad strategy considering how cheap both lenses cost, but the harsh mistress that is LBA may well force you to keep both ...

08-27-2013, 12:37 PM	#15
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	Originally posted by JinDesu when I bought my k-x with the DAL, it came with a hood. hmm, you must have just been lucky then. My K-x came with a DA-L but no hood. And I'm pretty sure that's one of the drawbacks of the DA-L line compared with the DA versions-- no quickshift, plastic mount, and no hood included.